When someone experiences an injury, they are often referred to physical therapy as part of their treatment regimen.
In some cases, traditional physical therapy is too painful or simply not ideal due to the stress it may cause on the injured part of the body. Aquatic physical therapy is easier on the joints, so it may be recommended instead.
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
When someone experiences an injury, there are many objectives that their doctor may use for their treatment plan. Aquatic therapy can help with the following objectives:
- Improving coordination and balance
- Enhancing mobility and function
- Increasing muscle strength
- Improving flexibility
- Reducing joint stiffness
- Alleviating inflammation and pain
- Promoting stability
- Allowing for movement in a low-impact environment
When someone exercises in a pool, the water reduces gravitational force, so this decreases joint compression. This makes exercise more comfortable and it allows patients to move easier. The pressure of the surrounding water allows for greater postural awareness and it reduces inflammation.
Who is a Candidate for Aquatic Therapy?
Many patients may be referred to aquatic therapy for their injuries. Good candidates include:
- Patients who need to work on walking, but they are not able to bear full weight yet
- Patients who are recovering from surgery
- People who cannot tolerate walking and standing while experiencing acute low back pain
- Patients who cannot tolerate land-based high-impact activities, but they need to work on landing or jumping
How is Aquatic Therapy Performed?
Aquatic therapy has an instructor in the pool with the patients. This may be a group class or one-on-one, depending on the needs of the patient. The instructor guides the patients through a series of exercises that target the injured area.
The exercises may only use the patient’s bodyweight, or they have use tools, such as pool noodles, small weights or similar items as part of their therapy program.
There is always a lifeguard on duty to ensure safety in the pool. Patients do not need to know how to swim to use aquatic therapy.
Who Should Avoid Aquatic Therapy?
There are certain factors that may make aquatic therapy not ideal for some patients. These factors include:
- Having a dermatological issue, especially one that can be aggravated by water or common pool chemicals
- Having respiratory conditions
- Having an active infection
- Having bladder or bowel incontinence
- Having an active fever
Before starting this therapy, the patient’s doctor will perform a thorough medical history. This will help them to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks for the individual patient.
While patients do not need to know how to swim to use this therapy, it is important that the instructor is aware of this. When they know someone cannot swim, they can ensure that all activities are safe for non-swimmers.
Aquatic therapy can be used for a variety of injuries. Patients who are struggling with traditional physical therapy can ask their doctor about this option to determine if it is a viable choice.